The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that the state pension age will increase to 67 for individuals born in certain years. This change, which began on April 6, 2026, is being implemented gradually and is expected to be completed by April 2028.
Who Is Affected by the State Pension Age Increase?
The first group affected by the change includes those born between April 6, 1960, and May 5, 1960. For these individuals, the state pension age is now 66 years and one month. The next cohort, born between May 6, 1960, and June 5, 1960, will be eligible to claim their state pension at 66 years and two months.
Previously, the state pension age for both men and women was set at 66. However, this is now being increased to 67 in monthly increments. The process is expected to conclude by April 2028. Additionally, there are plans to raise the state pension age to 68 between April 2044 and April 2046, affecting those born from April 1977 onwards.
Full Timetable for State Pension Age Increases
The following timetable outlines the exact birth dates and the corresponding state pension age at which you can claim:
- April 6, 1960 – May 5, 1960: 66 years and 1 month
- May 6, 1960 – June 5, 1960: 66 years and 2 months
- June 6, 1960 – July 5, 1960: 66 years and 3 months
- July 6, 1960 – August 5, 1960: 66 years and 4 months
- August 6, 1960 – September 5, 1960: 66 years and 5 months
- September 6, 1960 – October 5, 1960: 66 years and 6 months
- October 6, 1960 – November 5, 1960: 66 years and 7 months
- November 6, 1960 – December 5, 1960: 66 years and 8 months
- December 6, 1960 – January 5, 1961: 66 years and 9 months
- January 6, 1961 – February 5, 1961: 66 years and 10 months
- February 6, 1961 – March 5, 1961: 66 years and 11 months
For example, those born between May 6, 1960, and June 5, 1960, will be able to claim their state pension in July or early August, rather than May or early June. The gradual increase continues until the state pension age reaches 67 for those born after March 6, 1961.
Future Changes and Considerations
Plans are also in place for the state pension age to rise again to 68 between April 2044 and April 2046, affecting people born from April 1977 onwards. There have been calls to expedite this change, but a decision on this has been postponed. The DWP encourages individuals to check their own state pension age using the online calculator available on the government website.
